Updated Accessible Information Standard Published – What It Means for You
The Accessible Information Standard sets out clear requirements for NHS and social care providers to identify, record, flag, share, and meet the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers, and parents with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss.
What’s New in the Updated AIS?
The updated AIS reinforces the commitment to making health and care information accessible to everyone, including people who require communication support such as braille, easy read formats, sign language interpreters, or other assistance.
Healthwatch England’s response highlights the importance of these updates in improving service user experience and ensuring nobody is left behind when accessing health and care services.
Your Rights and How to Raise Concerns
Importantly, Healthwatch England reminds the public of their right to use the NHS complaints process if you feel your communication and disability needs are not being properly met by a health or care provider.
If you have concerns about how a service communicates with you, or if you need support to access information in a way that works best for you, you should speak up and use the complaints process to make sure your needs are heard and acted upon.
How We Can Help
At Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we are here to listen and support you. If you experience difficulties or want advice on your communication rights within health and care services, please get in touch with us. We can help guide you on how to raise concerns or provide feedback to improve local services.
Stay informed and empowered — your voice matters!
